New Year, New Clinique Skin Care Regime

Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care Regime: Step 1 Liquid Facial Soap, £15.00 for 200ml, Step 2 Clarifying Lotion, £16.00 for 200ml, Step 3 Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, £17.00 for 50ml, available from Clinique.co.uk

The winter months really took their toll on my skin, leaving it tired and dry. An annoying little army of pimples set-up shop on my once smooth forehead too, they just popped right up overnight without so much as a warning, the little blighters.

It was my step-mum who recommended I try the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care range. They do say that mums know best, and she does have remarkably great skin. I nabbed some of her clarifying lotion for a little trial, swept it over my cheeks and brow, and my goodness I couldn't believe the muck which had been clinging on through the facial washes and cleansing lotions. 

Two weeks on and my skin has literally transformed. Naughty little pimples have packed-up and gone back to their hellish HQ, my face looks rejuvenated and glowing.

The best thing about the Clinique range is how tailored it is for your skin type. I use the range for dry/combintion, and it suits me perfectly. The facial wash is wonderfully mild, the clarifying lotion really strips away the dirt which clogs pores (even my pesky blackheads are looking better!), and the moisturising lotion absorbs in an instant leaving skin perfectly primed and ready for make-up application. I couldn't recommend this product range enough. 

Related Post: A Guide to Skin Care

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Skin Nourishment: Rituals Skincare Range

A perfectly primed base is essential for a radiant complexion. I've been using the Rituals skin care range for one month, and my complexion has visibly improved. If you're still using face wipes as your staple make-up remover, then you really need to have a re-think. They dry out your skin and don't penetrate deep enough into your pores to remove dirt, which will eventually cause bad blemishes.

For a glowing complexion, your skincare regime should contain:

Cleanser - Removes make-up and daily dirt whilst gently hydrating
Toner - Removes any excess cleanser to stop it from clogging up your pores
Serum -  Penetrates deeper into the skin layers due to the finer molecules. It's not essential to use a serum and a moisturiser, but a serum might be for you if your skin needs extra nourishment. Apply after toning but before moisturising. Some serums can dry out the skin, so should be followed by a moisturiser (after allowing to absorb into the skin for ten minutes)
Moisturiser - Rehydrates skin. Even if your skin is oily, you should be using a tailored moisturiser. Apply serum/moisturiser at night, as that's the optimum time for the skin to repair itself.

Mild Facial Cleansing Milk, £9.50, available from Rituals.com (pictured)
It's gentle and hydrating, perfect for slightly dry or irritable skin. It smells fresh and clean, without being overly fragranced. The consistency is lovely and smooth, it leaves skin soft and renewed.

Vitality and Energy Mask, £14.50, available from Rituals.com (pictured)
The perfect remedy for tired, dull skin. I lather this mask on after a heavy (and yes, slightly boozy) night out, for instant TLC and rehydration. This mask penetrates into the pores and lifts deep-seated dirt. Glorious!

Active Moisture Lotion, £22.50, available from Rituals.com (pictured)
A perfect daily moisturiser, it absorbs fast and leaves skin super soft. It smells beautiful, but it's not so heavily perfumed that it irritates the skin. It's a lovely, rich product.

Pssst! I also love the Rituals Foundation with pure minerals and natural amethyst, I wear it in the day time as it's a gorgeous light coverage and it doesn't leave the skin feeling clogged or greasy.